Head teachers will be able to design and run summer schools, targeting pupils who will benefit the most. The funding could be used for activities such as:

• Transitional activities to help familiarise pupils with their new environment. Activities could include meeting teachers, having a tour of the school or learning more about their new curriculum.
• Additional intensive support in English and mathematics to enable pupils who need it to make progress in these key areas before they start the secondary curriculum, both as catch up and preparation for the new term.
• Wider enrichment activities such as arts, music and sports activities, trips to theatres and museums, visits to local higher education institutions and employers etc.

Ofsted research shows performance can take a significant dip when pupils transfer from primary to secondary schools, especially among those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

From today, secondary schools can sign up for £500 for every disadvantaged pupil taking part in a two-week summer school. The money applies to all pupils transferring in to Year 7 who are on Free School Meals or have been in care for six months or more.

The Government has allocated £1.25 billion additional funding in 2012/13 for disadvantaged children through the Pupil Premium, and has pledged to increase this to £2.5 billion by 2014-15.